The UK new LCV market returned to growth in August, up by 1.7% year-on-year following two months of decline.
Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show 16,575 LCVs were registered last month.
The market-leading 2.5-3.5t van segment saw a 1.8% sales increase, with 11,753 registrations, while 2.0-2.5t vans were up by 1.9%, to 2,771, and vans weighing less than 2.0t were up by 24.5%, to 427.
Pick-up truck registrations were down by 2.5%, to 1,401, and 4x4s were down by 12.9%, to 223.
Despite the overall market growth, there was a big drop in electric LCV registrations, which were down by 30.3% year-on-year.
The SMMT said that over the year-to-date, EVs accounted for 5.1% of the market – only just over half the level required from manufacturers by the UK Government’s ZEV mandate.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “A return to growth for Britain’s new van sector is encouraging as the market continues its post-Covid recovery. Manufacturers continue to produce a range of new models, with many of these zero-emission.
“However, such a significant and sustained drop in demand for electric vans is of deep concern given the ambitious and mandated sales targets required this year and beyond.
“There is a pressing need to stimulate operator confidence which means providing long term certainty over the Plug-in Van Grant, maintaining fiscal incentives, and accelerating the rollout of van-suitable charging infrastructure.
“Without these measures, the ability of the UK to meet its net zero goals while driving economic growth will be put under pressure.”
The Ford Transit Custom topped the LCV sales chart in August with 2,090 registrations, ahead of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with 1,531, and the Ford Transit with 1,272.
Completing the top 10 were the Vauxhall Vivaro (1,243 registrations), Ford Ranger (749), Renault Trafic (630), Volkswagen Transporter (593), Vauxhall Movano (590), Paugeot Partner (556), and Vauxhall Combo (545).
